Kokomo Fun Guide

Spring break edition

Mark Jennings, an artist at Kokomo Opalescent Glass, works on an order of tractors for the Department of Agriculture.
Jenn Goad/Kokomo Herald

Though Mother Nature hasn’t given up the cold of winter without a fight, spring has arrived.

And that means only one thing to students — spring break is finally here.

"Most area schools will be out of session the week of March 26, leaving kids with plenty of time on their hands. Fortunately for parents, you don’t need to hit the road for a fun week with the kids. There’s plenty to do right here at home," said Sherry Matlock, manager of the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau.

She encourages those families that are staying local this spring break to get out and explore Kokomo.

“Visitors travel to our community to see and experience the many unique attractions we have here,” she said. “Spring break is an opportunity to visit these places in your own community and enjoy time with your family.”

To help you make the most of your break, the Visitors Bureau suggests the following hot spots and activities.

FOR THE CURIOUS

Kokomo Opalescent Glass

On the behind-the-scenes tour of Kokomo Opalescent Glass, you can experience up close the fascinating technique of making art sheet glass. So close, in fact, that you can feel the heat of the 2,500-degree furnace. They still manufacture art sheet glass the same way it was made more than a century ago. The tour also includes a demonstration of glass blowing and a gift.
Cost: $6 general admission, $3 for students
When: Tours offered at 10 a.m. Monday to Friday
Where: 1310 S. Market St., Kokomo
More info: 765-457-1829, www.kog.com

Old Ben

You don’t have to travel Route 66 to find large-scaled oddities to snap a selfie with — the World’s Largest Steer can be found in Highland Park! Weighing in at 4,000 at the time of his death in 1920, Old Ben stands more than 6.5 feet tall, 14 feet around and more than 16 feet long. And Ben is pretty famous, too. He was featured on the “Ripley’s Believe it or Not” Show in 1968.
He shares a pavilion in the park with the Sycamore Stump, which is another sight to behold.
Cost: Free
Where: Highland Park, 900 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo
When: Open during daylight hours
More info: www.cityofkokomo.org/

Kirkendall Nature Center

An animal and nature lover’s dream, the center has a large diorama of preserved animals, including a beaver, an albino muskrat, a barn owl, deer, a great blue heron, a bull elk and much more. There’s also mounts of fish, insects and butterflies, as well as fossils on display. In the center’s five large aquariums, you’ll find native species of fish, frogs, lizards and snakes. And that’s just the inside! Head outside and enjoy a nature walk on the trail as well.
Cost: Free
Where: Inside Jackson Morrow Park, 4200 S. Park Road, Kokomo
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday
More info: 765-864-1655, www.cityofkokomo.org

FOR THE HISTORY LOVER

Seiberling Mansion

Explore our community’s past while enjoying the beauty of the stunning Seiberling Mansion built in 1891 by industrialist Monroe Seiberling. Featuring late-Victorian architecture and hand-carved woodwork, the historic home offers multiple exhibits highlighting the history of Howard County through fascinating historical photos and artifacts.
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children
Where: 1200 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
More info: 765-452-4314, howardcountymuseum.org
Kokomo Automotive Museum
Car lovers will find plenty of hot rides at the museum. Walking through the museum is like taking a stroll down memory lane as more than 100 vintage and classic cars are on display, including Haynes, Apperson, Maxwell, Cadillac and Chevy. There are also exhibits that celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile, including a local filling station and diner replica.
Cost: $5
Where: 1500 N. Reed Road, Kokomo
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
More info: 765-454-9999, kokomoautomotivemuseum.com

Elwood Haynes Museum

“America’s First Car” was developed in 1894 by Elwood Haynes and you can take a stroll through his former residence and see a number of his possessions. Haynes was a prolific inventor, creating such things as stainless steels and several alloys. You can also see many of his inventions at the museum.
Cost: Freewill donation
Where: 1915 S. Webster St., Kokomo
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday
More info: 765-456-7500, cityofkokomo.org

FOR THE ASPIRING FOODIE

Bind Cafe

Boasting the title of Coolest Coffee Shop in Indiana, Bind Cafe features a rotating menu that offers tastes of international cuisines. For March and April, you can take a taste tour of Central America. You’ll also find international varieties of coffee and loose leaf tea. Pro tip: Be there on Wednesday evening for the weekly chess club from 6 to 7 p.m. and learn how to play chess.
Where: 108 N. Main St., Kokomo
When: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
More info: 765-201-0383 or find them on Facebook

Martino’s Italian Villa

You don’t have to travel to New York to have Hall of Fame-worthy pizza. You just have to travel to Martino’s Italian Villa, which was inducted into the National Pizza Hall of Fame in 2017. It’s the Martino family touch that got them there, and every pie has that same touch as only family members are allowed to make the pizza. While you’re there, be sure to get a selfie in the gondola.
Where: 1929 N. Washington St., Kokomo
When: Open daily, except Sundays
More info: 765-457-9181, martinositalianvilla.net
Hawg Heaven
There’s food in Kokomo that’s turning heads all across states, and that includes Hawg Heaven. This local barbecue joint was ranked No. 1 on the Top 8 “Hole in the Wall BBQ Restaurants in Indiana That Will Make Your Tastebuds Go Crazy.” The ranking applauds the Kokomo eatery for its standout dishes including rack of ribs, brisket platter and pulled pork.
Where: 425 W. Defenbaugh St., Kokomo
When: Open daily, except Sundays
More info: 765-450-6584

FOR THE ARTIST

Artist Alley

Take in an art show — outside! Kokomo’s first outdoor public art gallery, Artist Alley’s current exhibit features several large-format paintings, four mixed-media pieces, one photograph on metal and one stone sculpture. While you’re there, get your photo taken in an art replica of a 1894 Haynes Pioneer. Yes, you can actually sit in it!
Cost: Free
Where: In the alley next to Kokomo Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., Kokomo
When: Always open
More info: Find Artist Alley on Facebook

Downtown art galleries

The art scene is alive and well in downtown Kokomo. The heart of the city has dedicated art galleries as well as several businesses that house smaller galleries. Check out Artworks Gallery and the grand reopening of the Indiana University Kokomo gallery during the April 6 First Friday event. You’ll find art displayed at Bohemian Tattoo Club, The Hub Downtown, The Studio, Bind Cafe, Kokomo-Howard County Public Library and more.
Cost: No admission costs
Where: Throughout downtown
More info: www.visitkokomo.org
Stain on Main
Interested in making your own art? You can at Stain on Main, where you can create your own wooden sign decor with your choice of designs and quotes. It’s open to all ages, with the younger ones needing an adult to join in.
Cost: Varies
Where: 502 N. Main St., Kokomo
When: Classes held 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday, as well as noon to 3 p.m. Saturday. Advance registration is required.
More info: 765-459-7194, stainonmain.com

Whether you’re looking to walk, run, bike or rollerblade, there’s no shortage of trails to choose from in Kokomo. So grab your family or friends and hit the Wildcat Creek Walk of Excellence Trail, Industrial Heritage Trail, Nickel Plate Trail or walking paths throughout the community’s parks.
Cost: Free
When: Always open
Where: Throughout the ommunity
More info: cityofkokomo.org
Skate parks
For the sk8ters, Kokomo offers not one but two skate parks! With a 90-degree bent full pipe and bowls of varying sizes, Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park is a world-class facility for advanced skaters and BMX biker riders. Studebaker Skate Park is also available to those with in-line skates, BMX bikes and skateboards.
Cost: Free
When: Open during daylight hours
Where: Kokomo Pipeline Skate Park, 4200 S. Park Road, Kokomo; Studebaker Skate Park, 1030 N. Purdum St., Kokomo
More info: 765-456-7275, cityofkokomo.org

Crown Haven Center
From a petting zoo to pony rides to archery tag, Crown Haven Center packs in the fun. Many of the activities are available both indoors and outdoors, include horseback riding. For the thrill seeker, check out the off-road military vehicle rides.
Cost: Varies
Where: 5282 W. 250 South, Russiaville
More info: 765-480-3930, www.crownhavencenter.com

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